Utah Aerospace and Defense Association announces new branding

In its quest “to build the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense and cyber companies,” the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association (UADA) has unveiled new branding and announced a partnership with the University of Utah for generational investments in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies.

The association will begin calling itself “47G,”a reference to the Utah pioneers who arrived in the region in 1847 and to the test pilots who set the record for acceleration at 47G or 47 times the force of gravity, the accepted measure of measuring force in acceleration tests.

“The 47G brand is rooted in the human drive to explore new frontiers on Earth and in space,” UADA said in a release. “The brand honors Utah’s legacy while simultaneously bringing into focus the unprecedented, fast-paced nature of rapid technological innovation happening in Utah.”

“The new brand for our organization holds deep significance; it is more than just a new name. 47G pays homage to the Utah pioneers who settled the region in 1847 and to the test pilots who shattered records to experience nearly 47G, the greatest acceleration ever achieved by humankind,” said Aaron Starks, 47G president and CEO. “Utah’s frontier landscape, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneer legacy makes us a natural choice for those seeking the freedom to push the boundaries of technology.”

At the event announcing the new brand, organizers celebrated the descendants of Utah’s original Space Port Committee, which was created by the Utah State Legislature in 1971 to conduct feasibility studies that would position the state as a potential site for space shuttle launches with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. While the shuttle program was eventually awarded to Cape Canaveral, Florida, the effort laid the groundwork for the vibrant aerospace and defense ecosystem that exists in Utah today, UADA leaders said. Gov. Spencer Cox, legislative leaders and industry executives were on hand for the event.

Professors and researchers from the University of Utah led the committee’s efforts in 1971 and the university continues to play a pivotal role in aerospace and defense research today.

At the brand unveiling, University of Utah President Taylor Randall announced the launch of the Utah Network for Integrated Computing and Semiconductor Research and Education (UNICOS). The organization, which consists of statewide partnerships between higher education institutions, governmental bodies and members of private industry, will help develop Utah’s semiconductor workforce and increase its access to key technological infrastructure.

Former U.S Rep. Chris Stewart, recently named chair of UADA, said. “47G members represent a constellation of Utah’s leading companies, suppliers, educational institutions like the University of Utah and state representatives who are at the forefront of developing and deploying world-leading, next-generation technologies. We are successfully charting an ambitious course to become ‘America’s Deep Tech Frontier.’”

Stewart said 47G’s objective is to “convene, promote and advocate for aerospace and defense companies” in Utah.